Brookhaven residents will be able to read and swap free books thanks to a project started by the Cross Keys Foundation and the Atlanta Braves Foundation, which will oversee the installation of about a half dozen Little Free Libraries in the area.

The project, which Cross Keys Foundation member Kim Gokce said was designed to support literacy for children around the community, will start installing, stocking and maintaining the libraries later this month.

The post-mounted, free book swap units will be freely accessible in highly visible areas where children live, play and attend school.

Gokce said initially, the project will focus on serving the communities near Cross Keys High School as well as Woodward, Montclair and Ashford Park elementary schools.

Priority sites for the libraries include The Boys and Girls Club of Brookhaven and Briarwood Park.

Chad Boles, a member of The Friends of Briarwood Park, said the organization is “honored” to sponsor and host an installation of the free library at the park.

“Many elementary schools in the area are within walking distance of [the park] and we look forward to watching our local children expand their horizons thanks to this program,” he said.

“[The foundation] submitted a project proposal to the Atlanta Braves Foundation for funding which was approved in October, so we are very grateful for their generosity and help,” Gokce said.

His motivation for the project, Gokce said, was to keep children reading even when school is out of session.

“We expect to directly impact the access to quality, age-appropriate reading material to children who live below the poverty line because for many low-income families, access to these types of materials may be difficult especially during summer breaks,” he said. “The expectation is to see young children reading more and with more enthusiasm each year by providing year-round access to unlimited reading material in a fun format.”

The foundation is asking community members to help with the project by providing ideas for future site locations, funding for materials and to help as volunteers in maintaining the libraries.

Donations of building materials or books are tax-deductible.

Those interested in helping can contact Gokce through email at kim@crosskeysfoundation.org.

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